Shankhapushpi - also spelled Shankhpushpi - or Convolvulus pluricaulis - is an indigenous plant commonly mentioned in Ayurveda, an ancient system of Indian medicine, as a rasayana which is mainly advocated for use in mental stimulation and rejuvenation therapy. Little human research has been published in the Western medical literature regarding shankhapushpi . One study shows shankhpushpi to have anti-ulcer effects due to augmentation of mucosal defensive factors like mucin secretion and glycoproteins. Another study showed shankhapushpi may be helpful in improving symptoms of hyperthyroidism - see thyroid disorders - by reducing the activity of a liver enzyme known as hepatic 5'-monodeiodinase (5'-DI).

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See Ayurvedic Herbs for a list of other herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Shankhapushpi or Shankhpushpi Research Update
Evaluation of comparative and combined depressive effect of Brahmi, Shankhpushpi and Jatamansi in mice.
Indian J Med Sci. 2000 Aug;54(8):339-41.
Evaluation of depressive activity of drug extract of Brahmi, Jatamansi & Shankhpushpi and their combined effects were studied on 66 mice of either sex. It was found that combined effect of Jatamansi, Shankhpushpi & Brahmi showed the potent depressiveness in mice. While in individual drug extract, jatamansi exhibited more potent effect than other two drugs.

Analysis of a clinically important interaction between phenytoin and Shankhapushpi, an Ayurvedic preparation.
Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, Parel, Bombay, India.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1992 Jan;35(3):285-8.
During the course of routine plasma drug level monitoring an unexpected loss of seizure control and reduction in plasma phenytoin levels was noticed in two patients who were also taking Shankhapushpi, an Ayurvedic preparation. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in rats to investigate any Shankhapushpi-phenytoin interaction from both pharmacokinetic (serum levels) and pharmacodynamic (electroshock seizure prevention) aspects. Single dose Shankhapushpi and phenytoin (oral/i.p.) coadministration did not have any effect on plasma phenytoin levels but decreased the antiepileptic activity of phenytoin significantly. On multiple-dose coadministration, Shankhapushpi reduced not only the antiepileptic activity of phenytoin but also lowered plasma phenytoin levels. Shankhapushpi itself showed significant antiepileptic activity compared to placebo and is worth further investigation. However, the clinical combination of SRC with phenytoin is not advised.

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 Shankhpushpi